Photo: Badmintonphoto
No less than 13 matches with Danish participation awaits at the second round of the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024.
Top seed, Viktor Axelsen withdrew from Day 3 of competition at the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024 due to sickness. The two-time Olympic champion was playing Alex Lanier in the round of 16 when he began throwing up into a towel after the first game.
The Dane was one game down and tried his best to continue but retired from the match 19-21 11-7 after the second mid-game interval. 19-year-old Alex Lanier was gutted for the Dane.
“I feel bad for him. I looked at his face and saw he wasn’t in a good way. For me personally, I wanted to see him play his best badminton and put up a good fight against him. Before the match I was ready for that. I think the crowd today was ready for that and it’s not the way I wanted to win.
“I tried to talk to him after the match and he told me he was sick. I’m not happy about winning the match this way but I will send him a message because that’s not the way I wanted to finish the match. It wasn’t an easy match to go into. As soon as I entered the arena I knew all the fans would be cheering for Viktor. During the match when I won some good points, I felt that pleased the crowd. I liked that feeling and it was important to stay focused with a good mentality throughout.”
Koki Watanabe delivered a surprise upset by defeating Olympic silver medallist, Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-12, 21-19 in the round of 16.
“I think I did well,” said World No. 13 Watanabe. “Kunlavut isn’t in his best shape after the Paris 2024 Olympics, so it’s not a huge achievement, but it’s a step in the right direction. If you asked me to rank my confidence before the match, I’d say a six,” he joked. “I had to play fast and aggressive, taking every chance. Around 17-16 in the second game, I had to stay focused and keep control. The goal isn’t to be the champion, but to take each match as it comes. I’m excited for the quarterfinals.”
A composed Vitidsarn praised his opponent, saying, “Koki controlled the pace of the match. I felt a lot of pressure. He’s improved his attacking game since he last beat me in 2019 and has great mental strength. I am dealing with a foot injury, but it’s okay.”
→ Results (Day 3)
→ Order of play (Day 4)
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
“Huang Dong Ping has always been my hero growing up. She’s amazing at the net, I was very excited on court to play her. I know they say don’t meet your heroes but I am so happy to be standing next to her.” – Amalie Cecile Kudsk on meeting her idol, Huang Dong Ping at the Denmark Open.
“I’m really flattered by Amalie’s comments. I didn’t know that before the match and it’s always nice to be told I’m someone’s idol. Especially by a player. I thought she was really fun to play against and these kinds of comments make me more excited to play.” – Huang Dong Ping reacts to Kudsk’s compliments.
“I have been playing on the senior circuit for a while now and the thing I have learnt most is to keep up the physical side of matches when you play. It’s also important to keep mentally alert with the fitness. I am looking forward to graduating from high school next year. My favourite subject is art.” – Tomoka Miyazaki
“Life since being a dad is great. I always joke with my wife about not having enough sleep and I know I shouldn’t joke about that anymore as she’s looking after our baby. So, I’ll stop making that joke.” – Loh Kean Yew jests about becoming a first-time father.
“Today, my focus was on the job we had to do because we knew we had to play our best to have a chance against Matsuyama and Shida. We needed to bring our ‘A game’. I actually forgot it was our last tournament together until the last shuttle fell.” – Maiken Fruergaard on her last competitive match with Sara Thygesen after a 12-year partnership together.
“I think if the commentator calls it the ‘Ben Lane Reverse Turtle’ then that’s what I will call it too. My back is fine. It was just the impact of the ground, but I caught it and at 19-20 I was thinking I must do everything to get this. So I threw myself backwards and I got it.” – Ben Lane on his swift new badminton move.